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Community Development
Background
The Community Development Department was originally established in 1988 to enhance Harrisonville’s business climate by bringing jobs and capital investment into the city. In 2001 the department’s focus was broadened to include planning as well as economic development. By combining the department’s functions, the Community Development Department now takes a more comprehensive approach to coordinate the growth and development of Harrisonville.
Duties
- To prepare and implement plans and policies
- To assist the Board of Aldermen with the periodic update and revision of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations and other ordinances pertaining to land use
- To help coordinate planning-related activities
Responsibilities
Departmental responsibilities have expanded since the department’s establishment to include:
- Current planning
- Long range planning
- Economic development
- Historic preservation
Services / Programs
The Community Development Department maintains demographic and socioeconomic information on Harrisonville and Cass County. It also houses marketing materials, which highlights available land and building sites in the area. City staff work with a variety of local and regional agencies in promoting Harrisonville’s coordinated development.
Click here to view the City of Harrisonville's Economic Development Incentive Policy.
Rental Ready Program
The Harrisonville Rental Ready Program officially took effect January 1, 2022, and enrollment is due by September 1, 2022.
The purpose of the program is to develop partnerships between the Community Development Department, Police Department, property owners and tenants; with a goal of insuring safe and habitable properties, while also fostering a safer and enhanced living community.
The Rental Ready Program is mandatory for all landlords with property in the city limits of Harrisonville.
Rental Ready Application (PDF)
Rental Ready Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Research & Publications
In addition to these items, the Community Development Department periodically performs research and publishes reports on specific demographic and/or socioeconomic topics. These are used to augment other published materials in an effort to better market the community.
Project Proposals & Projects
The department provides detailed project proposals to potential business prospects and performs impact analysis on proposed incentive packages to evaluate net benefits to the city. The Community Development director also serves as liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, and Historic Preservation Commission.
View an informational bulletin (PDF) regarding the revised sign ordinance.
Being a good neighbor
For those living inside the Harrisonville City limits, here is a quick overview of the City’s Property Maintenance Codes.